Using NREL's Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) and Solar Deployment System (SolarDS) models, the SunShot Vision Study provides least-cost geographical deployment of solar technologies, among other technologies.
Information about the ReEds and SolarDS apps can be found on OpenEI.
The study is meant to be the most comprehensive review of the potential for U.S. solar electricity generation to date. The study was initiated by the DOE Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP) and managed by NREL.
| Figure 1-2. Total Solar Capacity under the SunShot and Reference Scenarios |
Here are some other key findings in the study:
Achieving the SunShot price targets is projected to result in the cumulative installation of approximately 302 gigawatts (GW) of PV and 28 GW of CSP by 2030, and 632 GW of PV and 83 GW of CSP by 2050.
Annual U.S. electricity-sector carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are projected
to be significantly lower in the SunShot scenario than in the reference
scenario: 8%, or 181 million metric tons (MMT), lower in 2030, and 28%,
or 760 MMT, lower in 2050.
Both the SunShot and reference scenarios require significant transmission
expansion. In the reference scenario, transmission is expanded primarily to
meet growing electricity demand by developing new conventional and wind
resources. In the SunShot scenario, transmission is expanded at a similar
level, but in different locations in order to develop solar resources.
The level of solar deployment envisioned in the SunShot scenario poses
significant but not insurmountable technical challenges with respect to grid
integration and could require substantial changes to system planning and
operation practices.
Financing the scale of expansion in the SunShot scenario will require
significant new investments in the solar manufacturing supply chain and in
solar energy projects.
Achieving the SunShot scenario level of solar deployment would result in significant downward pressure on retail electricity prices.
Achieving the SunShot scenario level of solar deployment could support 290,000 new solar jobs by 2030, and 390,000 new solar jobs by 2050.
The Full SunShot Vision Study is available by clicking here







